Can You Own a Capybara in Texas

I have been in Texas for a few years, and know many people who own a Capybara in Texas.

I think your question is answered already, You can own a capybara in Texas as it is legal to keep them as a pet.

I have 5 Capybaras for a few years now and in this article, I’ll tell you everything about how you can own a Capybara in Texas.

Can You Own a Capybara in Texas

Yes, you can own a Capybara in Texas as the government allows its citizens to keep capybaras as pets. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, exotic and fur-bearing animals can be kept as pets.

I like the fact that the government in Texas is not strict about keeping exotic animals as pets. I have people in Texas who have many different exotic and rare wild animals.

There are many states or countries where it is not legal to own capybaras just because they come under wildlife protection.

But there are a lot of people in Texas who own capybaras as pets, without any issues from authorities.

Texas couple giving their pet capybara some scritches
byu/KimCureAll inoddlysatisfying

Are There Capybaras in Texas?

There are a lot of Capybaras in Texas, you may not see them roaming here and there in an open area, but there are a lot of people I know that own capybaras as pets in Texas.

If you are lucky enough you may even spot them in an open grassland. They mostly make their habitat to places where they can get a water source like a lake, pond, etc, and a food source.

Spotted this thing on my ranch in Uvalde, Texas. It looks like a capybara but I’ve never heard of those living around here. What is it?
byu/AlTheToyCollector inanimalid

Do Capybaras Live in Texas?

This question may have two answers. As I said, there are many people who have capybaras as a pet in Texas, which means there are capybaras in Texas.

Now, if I ask, are there Capybaras in Texas in the wild? There may not be, as capybaras are not native to Texas, people do keep them as pets in their homes, but I highly doubt there are capybaras in Texas in the wild.

You may see capybaras in zoos in Texas. There are a lot of zoos in Texas that have capybaras.

Are Capybaras Legal in Texas?

Yes, Capybaras are legal in Texas, there are no restrictions to keep them as pets. Not just capybaras, but other exotic animals are also allowed to be kept as pets.

But there is a chance that you may be required to have a license to keep them as a pet.

I know I just said there are no restrictions to own a Capybara in Texas as a pet, but recently, due to increased smuggling of wild exotic animals, there are some places where you are required to have a license or a permit.

It’s better if you contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for better clarification.

Texas is known for having relatively lenient laws and regulations when it comes to exotic pet ownership compared to many other states in the United States.

Capybaras are not classified as dangerous wildlife or prohibited animals in Texas, which means that individuals can legally keep them as pets, provided they adhere to certain requirements.

But you may need a trapper’s license to take or keep fur-bearing animals.

However, they have defined exotic pets and fur-bearing animals differently.

According to the department, Badgers, Beavers, Fox, Mink, Muskrats, Nutria, Opossums, Otter, Raccoons, Ring-tailed cats, Skunk are fur-bearing animals, and,

Exotic animal refers to grass-eating or plant-eating, single-hoofed or cloven-hoofed mammals that are not indigenous or native to Texas and are known as ungulates, including animals from the deer and antelope families that landowners have introduced into this state.

Includes, but is not limited to feral hog, Aoudad sheep, Axis deer, Elk, Sika deer, Fallow deer, Blackbuck antelope, Nilgai antelope, and Russian boar.

There are no state bag or possession limits or closed seasons on exotic animals or fowl on private property.

But

Where to Buy Capybaras in Texas

Now as you know that it is legal to own capybaras in Texas, the second question must be from where to buy capybaras in Texas.

You can look for capybara breeders near you. Make sure if you are buying capybara from a breeder check if the capyabara is healthy and visit the breeder’s place to check if he keeps his pets nicely and care for them or not.

Other than breeders, you can adopt a capybara from someone who already owns it.

Also, you can buy capybara online. There are some websites that put capybaras for sale.

Do your checks before buying it from any online platform.

When looking to buy capybaras in Texas, it is important to approach the process with caution and responsibility. Capybaras are unique animals and not commonly available for sale like traditional pets. Here are a few avenues you can explore:

• Reputable Exotic Animal Breeders:
  • Seek out reputable exotic animal breeders or dealers who specialize in capybaras.
  • These breeders should have proper permits and licenses to ensure the legality and ethical sourcing of their animals.
  • Conduct thorough research, ask for references, and visit the facilities in person to assess their adherence to animal welfare standards.
• Exotic Animal Rescue Organizations:
  • Contact local exotic animal rescue organizations or sanctuaries that might occasionally have capybaras available for adoption.
  • These organizations rescue and rehome exotic animals in need and prioritize the well-being of the animals they care for.
• Online Exotic Animal Marketplaces:
  • Explore online platforms and websites that specialize in the sale and adoption of exotic animals.
  • Exercise caution and thoroughly vet the sellers to ensure they operate legally and ethically.
  • Ask for detailed information about the capybaras’ health, history, and legal status before making any commitments.
• Exotic Animal Auctions or Expos:
  • Attend exotic animal auctions or expos that are legally organized and regulated.
  • These events may feature vendors and breeders offering capybaras for sale.
  • Make sure to research the organizers and vendors beforehand to ensure their legitimacy and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Cost of Capybaras in Texas and other Expenses

Do You Need Capybara Lisence in Texas

Though the Texas Parks and Wildlife department haven’t mentioned anything clearly about the capybara lisence but they have mentioned about a lisence.

It is legal to own capybaras in Texas but it’s better if you contact the department and clear the things properly to not get into any trouble if you keep capybaras as pets.

Like in Florida, if you keep capybaras as pets you may land into prison sentences or some fine as well. In Florida, one cannot keep capybaras as pets.

There are many countries where it is illegal to keep capybaras as pet but most of the countries allows for keeping exotic pets.

Places like Thailand, Illinois, Florida, India, etc it is not legal to own capybaras and in some places you may need a capyabara lisence to keep them with you.

These lisence can be obtain from the Wildlife Protection Department of the country.

To Wrap Up

I hope you got your answer to if you can own a Capybara in Texas. I know capybaras are cute and friendly that’s why I have 5 of them.

If you live in Texas, you can easily own a capybara without any restrictions. I would still advise you to contact your nearest Vet or any local authority to know if there are any restrictions in a specific area in Texas.

If you have any queries, you can ask in the comments below.

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